Design & Planning Intelligence | Solar Access & Shadow
Understand how solar access and overshadowing analysis helps assess the effect of a proposed development on direct sunlight, neighbouring properties, private open space and other solar sensitive areas within the planning process.
For architects, building designers, town planners, developers, planning consultants and homeowners seeking clear project specific guidance for development applications, design review, planning responses and early feasibility work.
Explore the AssessmentIn Brief
Solar access and overshadowing analysis assesses how a proposed development may affect access to direct sunlight on the subject site, neighbouring properties and other solar sensitive areas. Depending on the project and planning context, the assessment may consider windows, private open space, balconies, communal areas, public spaces and roof areas used for solar energy systems.
The analysis is commonly used to support development applications, design review, planning responses and requests for additional information. It may compare existing and proposed conditions and interpret whether additional shadow is relevant to the applicable planning objectives. Shadow diagrams may provide visual evidence of where shadows fall, while sun eye diagrams and solar path information may help explain orientation and seasonal solar exposure.
Requirements vary between councils, planning instruments, development types and site conditions and should be confirmed for the specific project. Solar access analysis is separate from daylight modelling, which considers internal daylight conditions, and from thermal comfort modelling, which considers human comfort within occupied spaces.
It considers existing sunlight access, additional overshadowing and the potential effect of a proposed development on relevant parts of the site and surrounding properties.
It may support development applications, early design review, council information requests, planning responses and the assessment of potential impacts on neighbouring amenity.
The review commonly draws on a site survey, architectural plans, elevations, sections, site levels, neighbouring context and the relevant council or planning authority requirements.
Knowledge Navigation
Use this guide to understand how solar access and overshadowing are assessed, why they may be relevant to a development application and how supporting evidence, project information and planning context shape the review.
Foundation
Understand the planning questions solar access and overshadowing analysis is intended to address and how the assessment supports project review.
Solar Access
Explore how direct sunlight access may be considered across the subject site, neighbouring properties and other relevant solar sensitive areas.
Shadow Impact
See how additional shadow may be identified and interpreted in relation to neighbouring amenity, open space, windows and other affected areas.
Planning Context
Understand why councils and planning authorities may consider sunlight access, residential amenity, building form and seasonal shadow effects.
Assessment Scope
Review the existing and proposed conditions, affected windows, private open space, balconies, communal areas and other relevant planning considerations.
Supporting Evidence
See how site information, project drawings, shadow diagrams and solar path information may support the broader assessment.
Project Information
Review the survey, plans, elevations, sections, site levels, neighbouring context and planning information commonly used in the assessment.
Assessment Pathway
Follow the review from the initial planning question and project documentation through to comparison, interpretation and reporting.
System Boundaries
Understand the distinction between solar access analysis, shadow diagrams, sun eye diagrams, daylight modelling and other related systems.
Practical Guidance
Find direct answers about solar access assessment, overshadowing impacts, neighbouring properties, solar panels, project information and council approval.
Assessment Purpose
Solar access and overshadowing analysis helps explain how a proposed development may influence access to direct sunlight and the creation of new shadows within the surrounding built environment.
Rather than focusing only on where shadows fall, the assessment considers what those shadows may mean within the relevant planning context. It reviews how a proposed building, structure or site feature may influence access to direct sunlight across the subject site, neighbouring properties and other solar sensitive areas where relevant. Depending on the development, this may include private open space, windows serving primary living areas, balconies, communal open space, roof areas containing solar panels and parts of the public domain.
The assessment commonly supports development applications, planning responses, concept design review and design refinement by comparing existing and proposed conditions. Rather than determining whether a project should be approved, it provides technical information that may assist architects, designers, planning consultants, councils and project teams when considering the potential effect of additional overshadowing in relation to the applicable planning controls and objectives.
Supporting information may include Shadow Diagrams that visually document shadow extent and Sun Eye Diagrams that help explain solar orientation and seasonal sun movement. These tools support the assessment but do not replace the broader interpretation of solar access and overshadowing impacts. Internal daylight performance is considered separately through Daylight Modelling, which answers a different design question.
Solar Access
Solar access describes the ability of a site, building or outdoor area to receive direct sunlight under the conditions relevant to the planning assessment.
In a planning context, solar access is concerned with direct sunlight rather than the general brightness of a space. The assessment may consider whether sunlight reaches relevant parts of the subject site, neighbouring properties or surrounding areas and whether a proposed development changes that access in a material way.
The areas considered depend on the development type, site conditions and applicable planning controls. They may include private open space, windows serving living areas, balconies, communal open space, courtyards, rooftop areas, existing solar panels and parts of the public domain where solar access is a stated planning consideration.
Solar access analysis commonly compares the existing condition with the proposed condition so that any reduction, retention or change in direct sunlight can be understood within the project context. The relevant assessment period, date, time and affected areas should be confirmed against the applicable council controls, planning instrument or information request rather than assumed to be universal.
Subject Site
The review may consider sunlight access to proposed dwellings, outdoor areas, balconies, communal spaces or other areas identified by the relevant planning controls.
Neighbouring Properties
Where relevant, the assessment may review whether new building form reduces sunlight to neighbouring windows, private open space, balconies or rooftop solar systems.
Planning Context
The relevant sunlight criteria, affected areas and assessment conditions depend on the council, planning instrument, development type and site context.
Overshadowing
Overshadowing analysis considers where and when a proposed building, structure or site feature may cast shadow and how that additional shadow may affect relevant areas within the planning context.
Overshadowing occurs when a building, structure, landscape element or other physical feature blocks direct sunlight from reaching another part of a site or its surroundings. In development assessment, the focus is commonly on the additional shadow created by the proposed design and whether that change affects areas identified as relevant by the applicable planning controls.
The analysis may consider the movement and extent of shadow across nominated periods, the parts of neighbouring properties affected and the relationship between the proposed building form and existing sunlight conditions. This may involve reviewing private open space, windows, balconies, communal areas, roof surfaces or public spaces where those areas form part of the planning question.
Overshadowing analysis is broader than the preparation of shadow diagrams. The diagrams show where shadows fall under nominated conditions, while the assessment interprets what the additional shadow may mean for the project, neighbouring amenity and the relevant planning objectives. That interpretation can support a development application or planning response but does not determine the consent authority’s decision.
Shadow Extent
The review may identify which parts of the subject site or surrounding properties receive additional shadow under the nominated assessment conditions.
Shadow Timing
The relevance of a shadow may depend on the time of day, season or nominated date identified by the applicable planning controls or assessment request.
Planning Interpretation
The assessment considers the additional shadow in relation to the affected area, existing conditions, development form and relevant planning objectives.
Planning Context
Planning authorities may consider solar access and overshadowing where a proposed development could change sunlight conditions within the site, on neighbouring land or across other areas identified by the applicable planning controls.
Access to direct sunlight can contribute to residential amenity, the use of outdoor areas and the relationship between new development and surrounding properties. For this reason, a development application may need to demonstrate how the proposed building form affects sunlight access to relevant windows, private open space, balconies, communal areas or other solar sensitive locations.
The planning question is not usually whether a development creates any shadow. Buildings and structures naturally cast shadows, and those shadows change with the time of day and season. The assessment instead considers the additional overshadowing associated with the proposal, the areas affected, the duration and timing of the change and whether the impact is relevant to the applicable planning objectives and development context.
Building height, setbacks, orientation, massing and the position of neighbouring development can all influence the result. A project specific review can help the design team understand these relationships early, respond to council comments or explain the shadow impact as part of a broader planning submission. The relevant controls and assessment expectations should always be confirmed for the specific site, development type and consent authority.
Residential Amenity
The assessment may consider whether relevant windows, balconies or private open space retain access to direct sunlight under the proposed condition.
Neighbouring Impact
Additional shadow may be reviewed where a proposal changes sunlight access to surrounding dwellings, outdoor areas, roof surfaces or other relevant locations.
Design Response
Reviewing solar access during design can help the project team understand how height, setbacks, orientation and massing influence the resulting shadow conditions.
Planning requirements are project specific. Solar access criteria, assessment periods and relevant affected areas can vary between councils, planning instruments and development types. They should be confirmed against the controls applying to the site rather than treated as universal requirements.
Project Relevance
An assessment may be relevant where a proposed development changes building form, height or site relationships in a way that could affect direct sunlight access within the site or on surrounding land.
Solar access or overshadowing analysis may form part of a development application where sunlight access is identified by a local environmental plan, development control plan, state planning policy, design guide or site specific planning requirement. It may also be requested by a council or planning authority where the submitted drawings do not provide enough information to understand the effect of the proposal.
The need for assessment commonly depends on the scale and position of the proposed building, the relationship with adjoining development and the types of areas that may be affected. A modest alteration on an open site may raise a different planning question from a taller building beside lower scale housing, a multi residential development or an addition close to neighbouring living room windows and private open space.
An assessment may also become relevant during design development, following a request for further information, in response to council comments or where a project team needs to understand whether a revised building envelope changes the overshadowing outcome. The applicable requirements should be confirmed against the controls and assessment pathway for the particular site rather than inferred from another project.
Residential Development
New homes, alterations, additions and secondary dwellings may require review where the proposed form could affect sunlight to neighbouring windows, open space or other relevant areas.
Larger Development
Apartment, townhouse and mixed use developments may require consideration of sunlight within the project as well as additional shadow affecting adjoining properties or public areas.
Sensitive Site Relationship
A review may be useful where a taller or more substantial proposal sits close to lower scale development, constrained lots or solar sensitive neighbouring areas.
Council Review
Councils may request further solar access evidence, updated analysis or clearer interpretation where the submitted material does not fully address the planning question.
Design Development
Early review can help a project team understand how changes to height, setbacks, massing, roof form or orientation may alter the resulting shadow conditions.
Planning Response
Project specific analysis may assist when responding to planning concerns, neighbour submissions or design review comments about additional overshadowing.
There is no single universal assessment trigger. Whether solar access or overshadowing analysis is required depends on the development type, planning pathway, local controls, site context and the information requested by the relevant consent authority.
Assessment Scope
The scope of the assessment depends on the planning question, development type, surrounding context and the areas identified as relevant by the applicable planning controls or consent authority.
A solar access and overshadowing assessment commonly begins by identifying the existing sunlight conditions and the additional shadow created by the proposed development. The analysis may then consider where that change occurs, when it occurs and whether the affected area is relevant to the planning objectives applying to the site.
Depending on the project, the review may examine sunlight access to windows serving living areas, private open space, balconies, courtyards, communal open space, neighbouring dwellings, roof areas used for solar energy systems and parts of the public domain. The assessment may also consider the relationship between the proposal and nearby building form, site slope, orientation and existing obstructions.
The analysis does not apply one universal measure to every project. The relevant date, time, season, affected areas and planning objectives should be confirmed against the applicable council controls, planning instrument, design guidance or request for information. The assessment provides project specific evidence and interpretation but does not determine whether the consent authority will approve the development.
Existing Condition
The review may establish which relevant areas currently receive direct sunlight before the proposed development is introduced.
Proposed Condition
The proposed condition shows how the new building form may change sunlight and shadow patterns on and around the site.
Additional Overshadowing
The assessment may isolate the additional shadow associated with the proposal rather than treating all existing shadow as a new impact.
Affected Areas
Relevant areas may include living room windows, private open space, balconies, courtyards and communal outdoor areas where identified by the planning controls.
Timing and Season
The relevance of overshadowing may depend on the nominated time of day, season or date specified by the applicable planning framework.
Neighbouring Context
The location, scale and orientation of neighbouring buildings can influence both existing sunlight access and the effect of the proposed development.
Solar Energy Systems
Where relevant to the planning question, the review may consider additional shadow affecting existing or proposed rooftop solar systems.
Public and Communal Areas
Public spaces, shared courtyards or communal open space may be considered where solar access forms part of the relevant planning objectives.
Planning Interpretation
The findings are considered in relation to the existing condition, affected area, development form and the objectives of the applicable planning controls.
Supporting Evidence
Solar access and overshadowing assessments are usually informed by several sources of technical information. Each contributes different evidence to help explain sunlight access and shadow impacts within the planning context.
The assessment itself is an interpretation of available project information rather than a single drawing or model output. Site surveys, architectural documentation, digital models and planning controls help establish the physical context, while supporting evidence illustrates how sunlight and shadow may change under the proposed development.
Not every project requires the same information. The evidence used depends on the planning pathway, the complexity of the proposal, the surrounding development and the questions raised by the consent authority. Together these sources help explain the existing condition, the proposed condition and any additional overshadowing relevant to the assessment.
Individual evidence sources answer different questions. Shadow documentation illustrates where shadows fall, solar path information explains the position of the sun throughout the year and project drawings define the proposed building form. None of these elements replaces the broader interpretation provided by a complete solar access and overshadowing assessment.
Visual Shadow Evidence
Shadow Diagrams visually document where shadows fall at nominated dates and times. They provide important supporting evidence but are only one component of the overall assessment.
Solar Path Information
Sun Eye Diagrams help explain site orientation, seasonal sun movement and potential solar exposure. They complement—but do not replace—overshadowing analysis.
Project Documentation
Site surveys, architectural plans, elevations, sections, digital models and planning controls provide the project information needed to understand the proposed development and its surrounding context.
Different evidence answers different questions. Shadow diagrams show where shadows fall. Sun eye diagrams explain solar exposure and orientation. A solar access and overshadowing assessment brings this information together to interpret the planning implications for the specific project.
Comparative Review
A meaningful overshadowing review usually distinguishes between the sunlight conditions that already exist and the additional change created by the proposed development.
Existing buildings, boundary structures, topography, vegetation and surrounding development may already cast shadow across a site or neighbouring property. For that reason, an assessment should not assume that every area shown in shadow under the proposed condition is affected solely by the new development.
The existing condition establishes the baseline against which the proposal can be reviewed. The proposed condition then shows how the revised building form changes the pattern, duration or location of shadow. Comparing the two helps identify additional overshadowing and separates it from shadow that would occur regardless of the development.
This comparison may support a clearer planning response by showing which windows, private open spaces, balconies, roof areas or other relevant locations experience a change in direct sunlight. The significance of that change still depends on the applicable controls, the time and date assessed, the affected area and the broader site context.
Baseline Condition
The baseline identifies the direct sunlight and shadow conditions created by the site and surrounding development before the proposal is introduced.
Development Condition
The proposed condition illustrates how sunlight and shadow may change once the new building, addition or structure is included.
Measured Difference
The comparison helps isolate the additional shadow attributable to the proposal and identify the areas in which sunlight conditions change.
Comparison does not replace planning interpretation. A change shown between existing and proposed conditions must still be considered against the relevant planning objectives, the affected location and the site specific circumstances.
System Boundary
Solar access analysis and daylight modelling both involve natural light, but they answer different questions and should not be treated as interchangeable assessments.
Solar access analysis is concerned with direct sunlight and the shadow effects created by buildings, structures and site features. It is commonly used in a planning context to review sunlight access across a site, neighbouring properties, private open space, windows, balconies, roof areas or other solar sensitive locations.
Daylight modelling is concerned with the availability and distribution of daylight inside buildings. It may assess internal visual conditions, illuminance, daylight autonomy or glare, depending on the project scope and assessment method. It does not replace an external planning review of direct sunlight access or additional overshadowing.
A project may require both forms of analysis where external sunlight impacts and internal daylight performance are separate design or planning considerations. Each assessment should be scoped according to the question it is intended to answer, with the relevant project information, controls and methodology confirmed before work begins.
External Planning Assessment
Assesses direct sunlight access and the effect of additional shadows on and around a proposed development.
Primary question: How does the proposal change direct sunlight and shadow conditions within the relevant planning context?
Internal Building Assessment
Assesses the amount, distribution and quality of daylight available within rooms and occupied internal spaces.
Primary question: How effectively does daylight reach and perform within the building interior?
Direct sunlight and daylight are related but distinct. An area may receive useful daylight without direct sun, while an overshadowing assessment may focus specifically on whether direct sunlight reaches an identified window, outdoor area or roof surface.
Design Factors
Shadow patterns are influenced by far more than building height alone. The overall relationship between the site, surrounding development and building form determines how direct sunlight changes throughout the day and across the seasons.
Every site responds differently to sunlight. Two buildings of similar size may produce very different overshadowing outcomes depending on their orientation, setbacks, roof form, surrounding buildings and local topography. For this reason, solar access assessments consider the project within its own physical and planning context rather than applying a single design rule.
During design development, understanding these relationships can help project teams review potential shadow impacts before submitting a development application or responding to planning feedback. The assessment explains how the proposed form interacts with the site rather than prescribing a particular design solution.
Where shadow patterns need to be illustrated visually, supporting Shadow Diagrams may accompany the assessment, while Sun Eye Diagrams can assist in understanding solar orientation and seasonal sun movement.
The overall height of a building may influence the length and movement of shadows depending on the surrounding site conditions.
The distance between buildings and property boundaries may influence how additional shadow reaches neighbouring land.
The position of the building relative to the sun influences both sunlight access and the direction of shadow movement.
Changes to the overall form of a building may alter how shadow extends across the surrounding environment.
Roof geometry, balconies, awnings and other projections may contribute to localised changes in shadow.
Neighbouring buildings, slope, retaining walls and accepted site features may all influence the resulting shadow conditions.
Assessment Interpretation
A solar access assessment is not simply a collection of drawings. Its value comes from interpreting how changes in sunlight and shadow relate to the planning context and the questions being asked of the development.
The presence of shadow alone does not explain whether a proposal has a meaningful planning impact. Buildings naturally cast shadows throughout the day, and those shadows change continuously as the sun moves across the sky. A solar access assessment therefore considers the change created by the proposed development rather than treating all shadow as a concern.
Interpreting the results involves understanding which areas are affected, when those changes occur, how the proposed condition differs from the existing condition and whether those differences relate to the planning objectives for the site. This interpretation provides important context that cannot be understood from drawings alone.
Supporting Shadow Diagrams illustrate the movement of shadow, while Sun Eye Diagrams explain solar orientation and seasonal sun paths. Together they provide evidence that helps inform the broader assessment but should always be interpreted within the project's planning context.
Existing Context
Results should first be understood against the existing sunlight and shadow conditions before considering the effect of the proposed development.
Additional Change
The assessment identifies how the proposal changes direct sunlight access rather than simply documenting that shadow exists.
Planning Context
The significance of any change depends on the applicable planning controls, affected locations, development type and site specific circumstances.
A solar access assessment supports planning decisions but does not make them. The findings contribute technical evidence that may assist architects, planning consultants, councils and consent authorities when considering a proposal alongside all other relevant planning matters.
Project Information
The information required for a solar access and overshadowing assessment varies between projects. Providing coordinated documentation from the outset can help establish the site context and support a more efficient technical review.
Every assessment begins with an understanding of the proposed development and its surrounding environment. While the exact information required depends on the planning pathway, most reviews rely on accurate project documentation that allows the proposed building form to be considered within its physical and planning context.
Digital drawings, site information and neighbouring context assist in understanding how the proposal relates to surrounding properties and where additional shadow may occur. Where available, supporting CAD or BIM models may streamline the review process, although they are not essential for every project.
If a council has already issued planning comments or a request for further information, these documents can also help define the assessment scope by identifying the specific solar access or overshadowing matters requiring clarification.
Site surveys, cadastral information, levels, orientation and existing site features help establish the physical setting for the assessment.
Floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans and the proposed building envelope provide the information needed to understand the design.
Available information about surrounding buildings, adjoining lots and nearby structures assists in understanding existing sunlight conditions.
Relevant planning controls, council correspondence and requests for further information help define the assessment objectives and reporting requirements.
CAD, BIM or other digital project models may assist the assessment where available, particularly on larger or more complex developments.
Depending on the project, additional information such as proposed solar panel locations, design revisions or supporting consultant reports may also contribute to the review.
Not every project requires every document. The information needed depends on the development type, planning pathway, available project data and the matters being considered by the relevant consent authority.
Assessment Process
While every project is different, most solar access assessments follow a structured process that establishes the site context, evaluates the proposed development and interprets the resulting sunlight and shadow conditions.
The assessment generally begins with a review of the available project information, including architectural drawings, site survey information and the applicable planning framework. This establishes the physical and regulatory context before any technical review is undertaken.
The proposed development is then examined in relation to the existing site and surrounding properties. Where appropriate, digital modelling and supporting shadow diagrams may be prepared to illustrate how shadows move across the site and neighbouring land under the nominated assessment conditions.
The final stage involves interpreting the results against the relevant planning controls, identifying any material changes in solar access and documenting the findings within a report suitable for the project's planning pathway.
Step 1
Review the available project documentation, planning controls and site information to establish the assessment scope.
Step 2
Assess the proposed development and compare existing and proposed sunlight and shadow conditions where relevant.
Step 3
Prepare the visual and technical evidence required to explain the assessment, where appropriate for the project.
Step 4
Document the findings in relation to the applicable planning framework and the project specific assessment objectives.
The assessment process is tailored to each project. The level of modelling, supporting evidence and reporting depends on the development type, planning pathway, site complexity and the requirements of the relevant consent authority.
Assessment Deliverables
The information provided with a solar access and overshadowing assessment depends on the planning pathway, project complexity and reporting requirements established for the development.
A completed assessment is typically more than a single diagram or drawing. Depending on the project, the deliverables may combine technical modelling, visual documentation and written interpretation to explain how the proposed development influences direct sunlight access and overshadowing within the relevant planning context.
The report generally brings together the project information, assessment assumptions, supporting figures and technical findings into a single document that can be reviewed alongside the architectural drawings and other planning material. Supporting information may include Shadow Diagrams, while projects requiring solar orientation analysis may also incorporate Sun Eye Diagrams where appropriate.
The exact reporting format varies between developments and should reflect the planning requirements applying to the project. Larger developments may require more detailed technical documentation than smaller residential applications, while councils may request additional supporting evidence during the assessment process.
Technical Report
A written report may summarise the assessment methodology, project information, planning context and interpretation of the technical findings.
Visual Evidence
Visual material may include shadow diagrams, annotated plans, site figures or other graphics that help explain the assessment outcomes.
Project Documentation
Architectural drawings, site plans, elevations and other referenced documentation help define the development assessed within the report.
Supporting Commentary
Depending on the scope, the report may explain how the assessment findings relate to the applicable planning controls and project objectives.
Deliverables should match the assessment purpose. The information prepared for a simple residential development may differ significantly from the reporting package required for a complex multi residential or mixed use project. The scope should always reflect the planning pathway and the information requested by the relevant consent authority.
Common Misunderstandings
Solar access assessments are often misunderstood because sunlight, shadow, daylight and planning compliance are closely related but not interchangeable concepts. Understanding these differences helps place the assessment in its proper planning context.
Buildings naturally cast shadows. A planning assessment considers the additional shadow created by the proposal, the areas affected, the timing of the impact and the relevant planning controls. The presence of shadow alone does not determine the planning outcome.
Shadow Diagrams are supporting evidence that illustrate where shadows fall. A solar access assessment interprets those diagrams within the broader planning context.
Solar access focuses on direct sunlight and overshadowing, while Daylight Modelling evaluates the availability and distribution of daylight within internal building spaces.
Assessment requirements depend on the development type, planning pathway, applicable planning controls and the characteristics of the site. Not every project requires the same level of analysis.
Existing buildings, vegetation and landform may already create substantial shadow. The assessment compares existing and proposed conditions to identify the additional change associated with the development.
A solar access assessment provides technical evidence to support the planning process. It contributes to the overall assessment of a development but does not determine the consent authority's decision in isolation.
Understanding the purpose of the assessment is just as important as understanding the results. Solar access and overshadowing analysis is designed to explain how a proposal changes sunlight conditions within its planning context, providing objective technical evidence that can be considered alongside all other aspects of the development application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solar access analysis assesses how direct sunlight reaches a site, building, window, outdoor area or other solar sensitive location under the conditions relevant to the planning review.
It may compare existing and proposed conditions to identify whether a development changes sunlight access on the subject site, neighbouring properties or other areas identified by the applicable planning controls.
Overshadowing analysis considers where and when a proposed building, structure or site feature casts shadow and how that additional shadow may affect relevant parts of the site or surrounding land.
The assessment interprets the change within the project’s planning context. It does not simply record that shadow exists and does not determine the consent authority’s decision.
No. Shadow Diagrams visually document where shadows fall under nominated conditions.
A solar access and overshadowing assessment considers what those shadows may mean for relevant windows, open space, neighbouring properties and planning objectives. The diagrams support the assessment but do not replace the interpretation.
Overshadowing may be assessed where sunlight access is a stated planning consideration or where the proposed building form may affect neighbouring properties, private open space, windows, balconies, communal areas or other solar sensitive locations.
It may also be requested during council review, following a request for further information or where a revised design changes the proposed height, setbacks, orientation or massing. Requirements should be confirmed for the specific site and planning pathway.
Depending on the planning controls and site context, the assessment may consider windows serving living areas, private open space, courtyards, balconies, communal areas, roof surfaces or existing solar energy systems.
Not every part of a neighbouring property is automatically assessed. The relevant locations depend on the development type, applicable planning objectives and the question being considered by the consent authority.
No. Solar access analysis focuses on direct sunlight and external shadow impacts, commonly within a planning context.
Daylight Modelling assesses daylight availability and visual conditions within internal building spaces. A project may require both assessments, but they answer different questions.
Yes. A proposed building or structure may cast additional shadow across an existing or proposed rooftop solar system.
Whether solar panels form part of the planning assessment depends on the applicable controls, the project context and the matters raised by the council or planning authority. Their inclusion should not be assumed for every assessment.
The assessment commonly uses a site survey, architectural plans, elevations, sections, roof plans, existing and proposed levels, site orientation and available information about surrounding buildings.
Relevant planning controls, council correspondence, requests for further information, digital models and proposed solar panel locations may also be required depending on the project and assessment scope.
No. A solar access or overshadowing report provides technical evidence and interpretation to support the planning process.
The consent authority considers that information alongside the applicable planning controls, the overall development application, submissions and other relevant planning matters. The assessment cannot guarantee approval or a particular planning outcome.
Project Specific Requirements
The relevant assessment areas, dates, times, evidence and reporting requirements depend on the development type, site context, planning instrument and consent authority. These answers provide general planning guidance and should not be treated as legal advice, approval advice or a substitute for confirmation against the controls applying to the specific project.
Related Knowledge
Solar access and overshadowing analysis may draw on visual shadow evidence, solar path information and surrounding site data. Each related assessment retains a distinct role within the wider Design & Planning Intelligence system.
Visual Shadow Documentation
Understand how shadow diagrams document where shadows fall under nominated conditions and compare existing and proposed building forms for development application evidence.
Explore Shadow Diagrams →
Solar Path and Orientation
Explore how site orientation, seasonal sun movement and potential solar exposure can be represented through site specific solar path information.
Explore Sun Eye Diagrams →
Internal Daylight Performance
Learn how daylight availability, distribution and visual conditions can be assessed within rooms and occupied internal spaces.
Explore Daylight Modelling →
Occupied Space Comfort
Understand how indoor environmental conditions, temperature and human comfort may be evaluated separately from external sunlight access and shadow impacts.
Explore Thermal Comfort Modelling →
Visibility Data
Explore how mapped visibility data can identify where a proposed development or landscape feature may be seen from surrounding locations.
Explore Viewshed Analysis →
Visual Effects Assessment
Understand how the visual effects of a proposed development may be interpreted in relation to viewpoints, landscape character and surrounding context.
Explore Visual Impact Assessment →
Design & Planning Gateway
Explore planning, site intelligence and building performance assessment pathways according to the project context, design question and evidence required.
Explore the Design & Planning Intelligence gateway →
Solar Access & Overshadowing Project Review
Send the available architectural drawings, site information and any council comments or requests for further information relating to solar access, neighbouring impacts or overshadowing.
Certified Energy can review the proposed development, surrounding site context, documentation status and planning question to help identify the appropriate assessment pathway, likely project inputs and whether supporting Shadow Diagrams or Sun Eye Diagrams may also be relevant.
Assessment scope, supporting evidence and reporting requirements depend on the development type, site context, planning controls and information requested by the relevant consent authority.
Last reviewed: July 2026. This page is maintained by Certified Energy as part of its Residential Compliance Knowledge Hub.
